The Best Indoor Planters (2024)

Our Top Picks

For a neutral look that lets your plant shine, you can’t go wrong with this minimalist design from Fox & Fern. While pricey, it’s made of high-quality materials that look at home in your living room or shared office space. The proprietary fiberstone is lightweight enough to move around if needed and UV-resistant. Even if you have a sun-loving plant that needs to be by a window, you can rest assured knowing this pot will maintain its color and finish.

You can choose a finish for your indoor pot—glossy or matte, with a color choice of white or black if you opt for matte. It also comes in four sizes as well as a family grouping. We recommend getting a saucer or opting for the white matte pot, which includes an optional saucer. The pot does include a drainage hole, which is good for plant health, but note that water will drip down on your floors or furniture if it’s not resting in a saucer.

Because this indoor planter features a modern, minimalist design, it doesn’t do much on its own to add style to its surroundings. The pop comes from the plant you put inside. The pot has a wide lip, which makes it look substantial and stylish, but this does reduce the actual available real estate for your plant’s roots. It’s best to get a larger size if you expect your plant to grow much.

_{Size: 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 inch | Material: Fiberstone ceramic | Weight: 4.84 pounds (family set only) | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

This affordably-priced set of three pots is perfect for small indoor plants—in fact, it likely costs less than the plants themselves! Available in a number of sizes and combinations, you’ll get plenty of value out of this set, especially if you’re planning to bring multiple plants indoors. Each pot features a self-watering saucer, which attaches to the pot but can still drain the water away when tilted. You can also remove it to dry out the bottom of the pot and roots when needed.

These indoor-ready pots come in four colors: blue, gray, white, and green. The sets of three come in varying combinations of these three, as well as all white. The bottom is speckled to replicate a natural pebble finish. Because the pots are made of plastic, note that they will wear faster than more durable materials. But it’s hard to beat the price for the adorable little pots.

_{Size: 4.7, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 8.5, 10, and 12 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: Not provided | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

The fluid lines of this planter complement the natural look of your plants while the matte white finish doesn’t draw too much attention from the star of the show. There are three sizes to choose from, and the largest size measures 10 inches in diameter; that’s enough space to hold a small tree, such as fiddle leaf figs, or a monstera. West Elm makes a complementary line of home decor in this line, including planters in other sizes as well as tabletop centerpieces and vases. You can create a grouping for a larger impact or let individual planters make a style statement on their own.

The planter is watertight, which is good if your plant can take heavy watering without drainage. If you do need a drainage hold to prevent roots from getting waterlogged, this isn’t the best option. This indoor pot is also quite expensive, and you don’t want to risk cracking it if you try to drill a drainage hole in the bottom.

_{Size: 3.5, 6, and 10.2 inches | Material: Ceramic | Weight: Not listed | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

This adorable little planter has equally adorable feet to elevate it off your table, countertop, or desk and a chevron pattern on a rustic white surface for added detail. It’s ideal for small plants like succulents, bamboo, or aloe vera as it measures just 7 inches across (6" inside the pot). Made of ceramic, the entire indoor pot weighs just 3.8 pounds, making it easy to move around as needed.

This pot is more decorative than well-designed for most plants. If your plant doesn’t need a lot of drainage or space, it’s a great choice with a stylish exterior that’ll work well. However, if you’re trying to pot or propagate a plant that’s very picky about its soil and environment, you’ll likely get frustrated trying to keep track of the moisture level in this compact planter.

_{Size: 7 inches (6 inches inside) | Material: Ceramic | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Weight Capacity: 6 ounces}

The industrial chic look of the Kante concrete planter definitely makes a statement, thanks to both its large size and distinctive rustic styling. The shape is tapered just slightly to help the planter stay stable and bring the eye up to the plant inside it. You can choose from seven different color variations, all of which stay in a neutral palette. The 11.6-inch diameter pot is large enough for small-to-mid-sized trees, and if you need to go bigger, there’s also a 15.3-inch diameter version that’s great for outdoor use.

Because this indoor planter is made of concrete, it’s quite heavy. It does, however, have a drainage hole and is UV-resistant so you don’t need to worry about moving it outdoors in the milder seasons or putting it close to a window. There are visible pores in the concrete, which adds to the overall style.

_{Size: 11.6 inches | Material: Concrete | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

Make it easy to grow herbs indoors inside a sleek planter with this smart self-watering pick. Constructed out of carbon steel, this Cole & Mason herb planter is extra durable and makes a perfect pairing with any modern farmhouse kitchen. That steel also keeps water in the self-watering reservoir so it doesn’t evaporate quickly. This planter is specifically designed for herbs, and it’s small enough to sit on most kitchen windowsills.

At the base of this indoor-ready planter are four felt pads that go under your plant. This lets the herbs “drink” water from the felt as needed, reducing the frequency with which you actually have to refill and water. Because herbs grow quickly if not used often, your plants may outgrow this small planter within just a couple of weeks if you’re not active in the kitchen.

_{Size: 4.92 inches | Material: Carbon steel | Weight: 0.54 pounds | Weight Capacity: 10 ounces}

The Lechuza Classico planter is made for indoor/outdoor use, which makes it great for any weather—including UV rays that may come through your windows. During the warmer months, your plant can live outdoors in its large planter. Constructed out of lightweight but durable plastic, it’s easy enough to bring this planter indoors when temperatures drop.

The self-watering design lets your plant’s roots absorb water as needed without getting too much or too little at once. It also cuts down on your need to constantly water a picky plant. The planter comes with an interior tray that lifts the plant and its roots out of the water reservoir, as well as inorganic granules to further regulate the path of water to get up to the plant. The water level indicator lets you know when it is time to refill.

There are a few color options to choose from, including white, nutmeg, slate, and purple garnet. As long as these complement your decor and your plant’s foliage, you’ll be happy with the variety. White is always a popular neutral choice that works with any style.

_{Size: 8 inches| Material: Plastic | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

Give your indoor plants a lift with this ceramic Mercury Row pot paired with an elevated base. Part of this planter’s height comes from the included wooden stand, which adds style and makes it easier to keep track of your plant’s needs; it even limits the need for excess garden soil. Just make sure your plant won’t miss the extra space for root growth. The planter comes in white and black, with multiple finishes available for the modern base.

At the base of this indoor pot, you’ll find built-in drainage holes and a clear plastic saucer. While the saucer also fits in the stand, it does detract from the streamlined look a little bit. We still think it’s worth using for your plant’s health—not to mention protecting your floor underneath from water spills.

_{Size: 13 inches | Material: Ceramic and wood | Weight: 16.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 60 pounds}

This set of two hanging pots works well whether you place them individually or together as a group. They’re made of white porcelain, in geometrical modern shapes, and come with holes already drilled for the included polyester rope as well as drainage holes on the bottom. These indoor pots also include plugs for the drainage holes so you can prevent leaks and drips when you aren’t monitoring them. Just remember to let the plants inside drain periodically to keep root rot away.

You will need to assemble the rope somewhat to get it at just the right height and spot you want for your space. Tying instructions are included; you’ll want to follow them closely to prevent your pots from falling down, spilling both dirt and plant.

_{Size: 8 inches (shallow), 6 inches (deep) | Material: Porcelain | Weight: 5.39 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

If you’re a new plant parent, consider the live Neon Pothos plant that comes in its own indoor-ready planter from Pottery Barn. The pot is available in three neutral color choices (white, black, and terra cotta), while the pothos itself is neon green, providing just the right amount of natural color pop to any space. Inside the pot is a built-in drainage hole, and it’s paired with a matching saucer to keep leaks contained and roots perfectly hydrated. While it is cheaper to purchase a plain pot and plant at your local nursery, this is a great way to get started with an all-in-one solution.

You will need to care for this plant once it comes to your home. Depending on how far it traveled, you may want to repot it with fresh soil or prune any leaves that didn’t survive the trip. Each plant will be unique and give you a great chance to start a plant collection in your home. Don’t worry—the pothos is easy to care for, doesn’t need much water or sunlight, and comes with instructions.

_{Size: 4 and 6 inches | Material: Ceramic | Weight: 3 (4") and 5 (6") pounds | Weight Capacity: 5 (4") and 7 (6") pounds}

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Fox & Fern Fiberstone Pot, an indoor planter with modern style that comes in either black or white and five different size options. Your plants will be happy that every pot includes an offset drainage hole to prevent waterlogged roots. If you want something more affordable in a set of three, consider the Zmtech Plant Pots, Set of 3. This budget-friendly pick is perfect for those just beginning an indoor plant collection who want to try a few different varieties without breaking their budget.

FAQ

• How do you drain indoor planters?

  If the planter has a drain hole, it will allow excess water to escape after watering. Be sure to place the planter on a saucer to catch draining water if you’re hoping to prevent a mess. You can also place the planter in a sink, tub, or outside to drain. For an indoor planter without a plug, known as a cachepot, you'll need to turn the planter over to empty any standing water that remains after watering.

• What type of planters should you use for an indoor garden?

  Since well-draining soil is essential for the health of most plants grown indoors, choose a planter with at least one drainage hole. In addition, an unglazed clay pot or wood planter will allow for the soil to thoroughly dry between waterings.

  “Ultimately, planters should provide the drainage and air flow needed to keep greenery healthy,” said Palomares. “Ceramic and clay pots that have a natural finish work best as they are porous and will help absorb excess water.”

• How do you prevent indoor hanging planters from draining onto the floor?

  There are several ways to avoid a puddle of water forming underneath your hanging planter. The first is to remove your hanging planter and water it in a sink or bathtub. After allowing plenty of time for it to drain, re-hang. Another option is to choose a hanging planter with an attached saucer, which will catch any dripping water. The third option is to water your plant in small amounts more frequently, with the goal of giving just enough water to moisten your plant without saturating the soil to the point that it drips. This can be hard to do, so most people use one of the first two methods to prevent planters from draining onto the floor.